New meaning for an old box

Behind the historic First Street School in DeRidder, there stands a bright green, repurposed newspaper vending box, filled with items for anyone who needs them.

Micah Pickeringmpickering@leesvilledailyleader.com

Celise A. Reech Harper and her husband, John W. Harper II, placed the box in their front yard to make a charitable difference in the community. They call it a Community Cupboard. Inside, it contains items such as non-perishable foods, toiletries, baby supplies, and household sanitary products.

“It is based on the same concept as ‘little free libraries’ and ‘little free pantries’ that have popped up in our communities,” said Celise. “The only difference is that these items [in the Harpers’ box], are a wide variety of basic necessities and supplies.”

Baby products were what initially inspired the couple to set up their Community Cupboard. “A large part of the reason my husband and I were motivated to do this was because we knew there was a specific need for baby items in the community,” said Celise.

Despite working hard, some people do not earn enough to afford the things they need. “Sometimes the month is long and the paychecks are short. People need just a little bit to get them through, and that is our purpose with the donation box,” said Celise.

There are no restrictions as to who can take items from the box. “ We don’t want there to be any stigma associated with Community Cupboard,” she said. “There are no rules, stipulations, or paperwork involving those that get items from the donation box. If you are in need, take something from the box.”

Celise and John check the box twice a day to ensure the items are in good condition.

On Thursday night, Celise posted information on a few Facebook pages about the Community Cupboard, she said. Before she left for work the next morning, someone had already taken some diapers. “They didn’t use the whole package, which would have been perfectly reasonable. They only took two or three diapers,” she said. “This shows that even when people are in need, they will be conscientious of the needs o others.”

The Harper’s Community Cupboard donation box is located at 111 Bon Ami Street. They hope people will donate items to the box, or take items as needed.

Celise is the Associate Director of the Beauregard Parish Library in DeRidder. For more information on Community Cupboard contact her at 337-463-6217.